Yes, I know you want to hear more about the Captain’s boat.
Yes, it’s in the water.
Yes, we now have a slip to keep it
[legally].
No, we haven't renamed her yet.
No, we haven’t spent nearly enough time out on the water.
Life for the Captain and First Mate has been hectic of recent.
More about all that later. Today’s post concerns a news item
that crossed our bow this weekend concerning New Jersey Governor Chris
Christie.
A former presidential candidate, and “friend of Donald Trump”
wanna-be, Christie is probably the most despised governor in America.
Under the guise of “telling it like it is”, the porcine
politician has broken laws and offended most everyone in his state.
His popularity ratings are even lower than the President’s, if
you can believe that!
On Friday, after a budget impasse in the New Jersey state
legislature, state parks, beaches, Ellis Island, and other public services were
shut down.
A Cub Scout Troop was forced to leave a state park
campground due to the closures!
A Cub Scout Troop! On Fourth of July weekend!
C’mon, man! That’s cold-hearted!
Also closed was Island Beach State Park, where New Jersey owns
a beach-front residence for the governor’s use.
So was anyone surprised that, once the general public was
cleared off all the state beaches, Governor Christie and his family came out to
play?
And what was Christie’s defense?
“The governor has a residence at Island Beach. Others don’t.
That’s the way it goes. Run for governor and you can have the residence.”
Captain's Note: It has since been reported that neighbors who leased houses in Island Beach were ordered to leave when the beach was closed. Now what do you say, Fat Man?
It comes as no wonder to the Captain that Governor Christie
and President Trump are friends. In taunting his critics recently (via Twitter,
as always!), the President reminded the nation that he won the election so he
can do whatever he wants.
Not surprisingly, the Captain does not look at the world the
way these two men do. As elected officials, they are “public servants”, not
lords and monarchs. If the majority of the nation – even those in your own
party – are criticizing you about something, shouldn’t you listen? If the financial
condition of your state has gotten so bad that you have to kick Cub Scouts out
of their campsite, shouldn’t you reschedule your family trip to the beach?
On board the Banana Winds, when the store provisions are
running low, the Captain eats what the krewe eats. The Captain wears what the
krewe wears. The Captain drinks what the krewe drinks.
Sadly, this once-proud experiment called “democracy” is
beginning to flounder, and we have a captain (and crew) who are raiding the
storehouses.
I would just say that while America looks like a strong and
tall vessel, if she sinks - and she could! - we will all drown together.
